While the Journey Continues, Christmas Offers Hope.

I am currently in Bega and have just spoken to ABC South East and, about to talk to Peter Diskon (2EC Radio).

My message hasn't changed. "I am hoping to raise $20,000 for an orphanage in Zambia in response to 800,000 orphans as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and, to highlight the need for the developed world (including Australia), to maintain their International Development Aid in light of the global economic crisis.

With every radio interview, my delivery about the JOURNEY is more passionate, focused and relaxed. In other words, I am enjoying the experience - initially it was quit nerve wrecking. I have asked Jennifer (ABC South East) to send an MP3 recording of the interview – I believe it encapsulates what the Journey is all about. (As soon as Josephine receives a copy it will appear on the Blog - look for it).

Rather than community radio, I much prefer public radio. The simple reason, I can be political - after all, poverty is a political issue, it is about haves and the have nots.

The trip from Batesman Bay to Cobargo was a torturous journey. I felt challenged both spiritually, physically and mentally - it was a fight with self every klm of the way. However, there was some relief in Cobargo – I was totally exhausted and close to breaking down.

I met a wonderful couple (Edward & Alice: Art Gallery) who were generous with their hospitality. Again in Cobargo, Helen (Working Wood) was equally hospitable and furnished me with the information needed to connect with the relevant media (she was well connected. So if you guys are reading this, a Big Thank-you for your support).

Did I mention my encounter with this beautiful person in Orbost. I believe he has a timely message for the developed world at this time. As I was sharing the Cycling4africa Journey he dug deep into his pocket and pulled out his last $3.00 and gave me one. In view of the fact he was doing it rough and carrying his belongings on his back, he gave from the little he had. He exemplifies the heart the world needs badly for change to begin and justice to find its mark.

So where is the lesson for the developed world in this experience? In the absence of a heart (a big and tenacious heart) the political will required losses momentum and instead engages in lip service.

Poverty deserves judgment, and justice must fall like rain and bring relief to the most vulnerable and the weak. 'Words ring hollow unless they conclude with action and fermented in justice'.

I often hear from people I meet (in response to my journey): "charity begins at home." The problem with such a convenient response is just that, it is far too convenient. It lets us (the developed world) of the hook and denies us the opportunity to find a collective solution to a problem that demands a global response because the 'common good belongs to common humanity'.

Charity can only start at home when there is a home for charity to begin. In the Sub Saharan Countries there is no home for charity to begin, so charity must start from this home where charity resides.

I know not of a time when the Australian Spirit hasn't risen to a challenge. I have come to know the Australian Spirit among other things as a generous spirit. Whether it's The Red Cross, The Red Shield or the Tsunami Appeal, the Australian Spirit took on and met the challenge head on. So while there is some truth in charity beginning at home, 'being at the top of the economic food chain comes with the responsibility to share our wealth with those in need'.

Since the global economic crises (due to "extreme capitalism"), the developed world are being encourage to spend big in the name of economic stimulus while the poorest half of the world are going without and paying the price.

It is Christmas soon; the underlying message is the gift of Jesus Christ and hope to the world.

I know there will be many reading this who are of a different religious persuasion, yet we all have one thing in common, a desire to see a different world, a world where the license to "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream" (Amos 5:24) becomes our highest moral endeavour and accomplishment.

Please, if you are lead to donate, then give the orphans of Zambia hope and a future. Go to: Get involved/$. Give from your heart not your pocket, so that I may reached the desired amount needed to help them.

Rest assured, all monies will be administered by the Salvation Army (Altona/Williamstown Core) and will go to the Morrow family who are establishing the Kazembe Baby Orphanage.

(David Briffa 2008)